Sambhajinagar, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Maharashtra NCP Chief, Sunil Tatkare, stated that he does not hold any personal objections to a potential merger between the faction led by Ajit Pawar and the NCP-SP alliance. However, he emphasized that any decision regarding such a merger would be reached through collective discussions among party leaders.

He elaborated on the merger possibilities between the two factions and Ajit Pawar's strategic realignment since the faction's integration into the National Democratic Alliance (NDA).

Tatkare defended their choice to join the NDA, asserting that this decision had been a topic of internal deliberation for several years.

“We have faced criticism for this role and continue to do so, but we stand resolute in our decision to remain with the NDA,” he mentioned.

When questioned about whether veteran leader Sharad Pawar should align with the NDA, Tatkare was cautious.

“I’m not a prominent enough leader to advise Sharad Pawar on such issues; I understand my boundaries,” he commented.

Responding to Ajit Pawar's recent remarks concerning a possible merger, Tatkare clarified that the sentiment is currently limited to specific localities.

“While both NCP factions are collaborating in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, the discussion of an official merger has not yet reached my desk as the State NCP President. Ajit Pawar, as NCP President, has the right to express this stance, but for now, it remains confined to designated areas,” he explained.

Tatkare also criticized Sanjay Shirsat, a leader from Shiv Sena, for implying that Sharad Pawar might join the NDA.

“Shirsat is generally accurate, but he occasionally missteps. His comments lack authoritative backing,” he said.

In a related context, NCP President and Deputy CM Ajit Pawar mentioned in an interview with a Marathi channel, “We haven’t contemplated this yet due to the election frenzy. However, I have noticed that ground-level workers are content (with the current cooperation). I can only state that in politics, no one is a permanent friend and no one is a permanent enemy. You can draw your conclusions from that.”

When asked specifically if the two NCP factions would reunite officially, he indicated that their current focus is solely on the elections, keeping the door open for future possibilities.

Ajit Pawar's comments have ignited discussions in the state’s political arena regarding the potential reunion between the uncle and nephew who parted ways in June 2023.

Following the notable reconciliation of the Thackeray brothers ahead of the 29 Municipal Corporation elections, attention has shifted to the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).

The speculation about a reunion between Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar is currently at a high, especially since their respective NCP factions have officially announced a local-level alliance for the ongoing civic elections in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.

Political analysts have stated that if the Pawars decide to reunite, it could signify a significant shift in Maharashtra's political landscape, likely consolidating the Maratha vote bank and altering the state's power dynamics.